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Rent the Museum

The Natural History Museum of Utah illuminates the natural world and the place of humans within it. From the inspired architectural design of our building to our galleries, we are pleased to offer a unique environment for social programs and private events in a setting that promises to inspire awe.

To explore the possibilities of holding your private event at the Museum, call us at 801.585.9538 or email us now.

Ask about our nonprofit discount!

Full Museum

Rent the entire Museum and receive exclusive evening access to the Canyon and Canyon Terrace, including all five levels of galleries. Your guests can experience the dinosaurs of Past Worlds, unveil Utah’s rich archaeology in First Peoples, walk through dramatic geology in Land, enjoy stunning views from Great Salt Lake and Sky, discover diversity in Life, and explore the stories of Utah’s American Indian peoples in Native Voices.

*Removal of the Topographic Map required for larger number of tables at additional fee of $500.

The Canyon and Canyon Terrace

As the signature space of the Museum, the Canyon offers dramatic architecture inspired by the slot canyons of southern Utah. Light plays off faceted walls that soar over a concrete floor inlaid with stones reminiscent of a streambed. To the west, the Canyon opens to sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley through

Explore 150 Million Years of Awesome / Levels 2-3

Your guests will stroll through four galleries and millions of years in Utah. They’ll marvel at Utah’s newly-discovered dinosaurs, transform the Great Salt Lake into prehistoric Lake Bonneville, discover some of the oldest objects made by Utah’s first inhabitants, and work together in an interactive game to shape a sustainable future.

Uniquely Utah / Levels 3-5

Your guests will explore five galleries showcasing Utah’s remarkable natural and cultural history. They’ll discover the lifeways of Utah’s ancient peoples, our state’s stunning landscapes and astounding biological diversity, the vibrant cultures of native people living here today, and the forces that shape our climate and weather.

Rental: $2,000 per Experience

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Level 5 Event Spaces

Evening Events Level 5

Swaner Forum

An intimate reception, a pulsing nightclub, or a laid-back lounge—the versatile Swaner Forum can accommodate most any evening event you can envision. With the lights of the city spread beneath you, you can dine in elegance or dance the night away. The Swaner Forum comes equipped with built-in house sound, two screens, and LCD projectors.

Capacity : 150 Standing Reception l 80 Seated Dinner

Sky + Sky Terrace

Sky offers a panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley as well as an indoor-outdoor interpretive space that invites your guests to interact with weather, atmosphere, and the stars.

Capacity :120 Standing Reception l 80 Seated Dinner

Native Voices

Designed in consultation with Utah’s American Indian communities, Native Voices interprets the deep history and contemporary cultures of Utah’s native peoples.

Rental: $3,000 All Level 5

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Daytime Events Level 5

Swaner Forum

With breathtaking views and professional audiovisual equipment, the Swaner Forum is your perfect venue for board meetings, lectures, classroom sessions, seated breakfasts, or luncheons and receptions. The Swaner Forum is the only rental space available during regular Museum hours.

All Rentals Include:

Evening events may start as early as 6:30 p.m., set-up as early as 5:00 p.m., excluding Wednesdays.

The Gallery Experience packages are offered as a two-hour add-on to any Canyon or Level 5 rental starting as early as 5 p.m.

Guest parking (large events may require parking arrangements)

Dedicated event and IT staff

High-speed wireless Internet access

Setup/teardown of NHMU equipment

Riser, podium, and microphone

Conference tables (6’) and chairs

Cocktail tables (30”)

Banquet rounds (60”) and chairs (seat eight guests per table)

Rentals do not include admission to the galleries during the event with the exception of the Full Museum or Gallery Experience.

Wedding Receptions

The Reception Package | $1,000

The Museum is pleased to offer our Wedding Reception package to accompany your rental of an event space. The enhanced services in this package are designed to provide you and your guests an exceptional experience at the Museum.

All Reception Packages include:

Wedding party prep/dressing area in the Swaner Forum (Level 5). Includes changing screen, full length mirrors, tables and chairs for bridal party guests.

Caterer beverage service is also available. Reception set-up and tear down, Events and IT Staff on-site and personalized directional signage placed.

Coordination with outside vendors for access to back-of-house areas and delivery times.

2-4 hour photography session with dedicated Events Staff to escort the wedding party to designated areas during regular Museum hours.

20 pairs of gallery admission passes to the Museum for your guests to enjoy the galleries during regular Museum hours.

Book your Wedding Reception now—dates fill quickly!

Catering

Alcohol Disclaimer: The serving of alcoholic beverages at private events is subject to our approval and is permitted only on a case-by-case basis. Upon receipt of the completed, appropriately initialed and signed Addendum, along with the signed Rental Contract, the request to serve alcohol will be forwarded to the University of Utah administration for review. Signature by an authorized representative of NHMU evidences that permission has been granted by the University of Utah to have alcohol served at your Event, subject to the following terms and conditions.